John answered, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him.’

“He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.

“He must increase, but I must decrease.

“He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all.” John 3:27-31

Johns disciples had come to him with a concern. John was the one who had started this baptizing with water thing. They had learned from him. And now… this Guy… this Man… who did He think He was. Baptizing was their thing and this Jesus had taken it over.

“John what are you going to do about it!?!”

“I’m going to rejoice. My joy is full.”

John had come to prepare the way of the Lord. It was the purpose he received from above. He had done his job. He had followed the calling of God. By the Holy Spirit, he had fulfilled his purpose.

It was now time for Jesus to increase, but it also meant it was time John to decrease.

And he gladly did.

You see to become part of Christ’s Church — to be His bride — we must acknowledge our sins and repent.

If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

John was excited to see his name and fame decrease as more and more people fled to Jesus. John’s joy was full — as our’s should be — as the Bridegroom received His bride.

Our job is to love one another and make disciples. Not so that people can see how much we love Jesus; not to be impressed by what awesome Christians we are. But to see how much Jesus loves us and what an awesome Savior He is.

Lord in heaven thank you for loving me before I loved you. Thank you for forgiving me and cleansing me simply because I come to you and ask for it. Far too often I want my name known. I want fame and prestige because I am an “awesome” Christian. Oh, what a sinner I am. Please forgive me for my pride and self-righteousness. Please, wield my life to increase the name of Your Son and decrease my view of myself in the process. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. 

This post was written while reading Quietly Through the Bible. Are you interested in simply reading quietly through the God’s word? Considering joining our small community of Bible readers. Or just downloading the two-year reading plan and jump right in.

Have you written a post in response to a Bible passage you read this week? Please share a link in the comments. I’d love to read it.

Only by grace,

Kelli

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